The Jags number two does, however, welcome the financial benefits the clash with Walter Smith's men will bring.

He said: "We obviously want to progress as far as we can in every competition and we would have liked an easier tie.

"But the boys who experienced the matches against Rangers last year know what to expect and are looking forward to it — and it will give the club a financial boost, which is always helpful."

Last season, the Jags came close to upsetting Rangers in the Scottish Cup, taking the lead courtesy of Damon Gray in a 1-1 draw at Ibrox before losing the replay 2-0 at Firhill.

The club's clash with the Ibrox side is on Wednesday, September 24, and will be shown live on the BBC.

The match will be decided on Thistle's home patch, with the tie going to penalties after extra-time if the sides are level.

However, Thistle's focus for now is on Sunday's Challenge Cup clash against Livingston at Almondvale — but they'll be without Jonny Tuffey.

The keeper has been in top form since taking the gloves from Craig Hinchcliffe, and the 21-year-old could earn his first cap for Northern Ireland after being called into the squad for their World Cup qualifying matches against Slovakia on Saturday and the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

Looking towards Sunday's third round tie, Britton said: "You want to progress as far as you can in any competition and we hope we can go the distance in the Challenge Cup.

"It is going to be a tough game, but we hope we can give the supporters a great day."

Jags will be looking to return to winning ways after Saturday's defeat against Ross County at Firhill.

Britton admits the loss was a real blow to the club's hopes of climbing to the top of the First Division.

He said: "We were disappointed as it was an opportunity to go to the top of the league."

The game was also surrounded by controversy after Thistle's John Robertson was sent off despite the referee not seeing the foul.

Britton said: "We have watched the tapes and it is hard to give you a definite answer as to whether or not John did something wrong.

"But the linesman saw it as a foul, and the referee made his decision on that."

Boss Ian McCall managed to boost his squad by signing 21-year-old Northern Irish midfielder Chris Turner from Irish outfit Sligo Rovers on Wednesday.

Turner, who has been capped at both under-19 and under-21 level by his country, has joined Thistle until the end of the season.

However, the club was plagued by sadness this week after former player Jamie Dolan tragically died at just 39 years old.

Britton said: "I knew him really well as we played and coached together. I was shocked to hear the news and I'm saddened by his death.
"He was a good footballer and good family man."